Secure automatic doors in accordance with EN 16005
How sensor technology, standards and expertise work together to ensure protection and efficiency
Today, automatic doors are a natural part of modern buildings. They enable barrier-free access, improve energy efficiency and convenience and must also meet high safety requirements. This is because automatic doors are legally considered to be machinery within the meaning of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
The European standard EN 16005 describes how these requirements are to be implemented in practice. It defines measures to protect people from impact, crushing and shearing points and distinguishes between three safety levels:
- Low energy – low movement force, contact permitted
- Partial coverage – partial areas covered
- Full safety – complete protection against accidental contact
In environments with vulnerable user groups, such as care facilities or clinics, complete protection is mandatory. For operators, planners and installers, compliance with EN 16005 provides legal certainty and also ensures that modern door systems are operated both functionally and safely.
From the standard to the solution – expertise as the basis
Implementing door systems that comply with standards requires not only suitable components but also a solid technical understanding of topics such as risk analysis. BBC Bircher Smart Access sees itself as a partner and source of expertise for the industry: The company supports planners, door manufacturers, and installers with practical, specialized knowledge on the application of EN 16005, while also offering solutions that balance safety, efficiency, and ease of use.
With its new FutureSense and SolidSense sensors, as well as the contactless CleanSwitch switch, BBC Bircher Smart Access is introducing a state-of-the-art comprehensive system that is tailored to the requirements of the standard and provides installers and operators with clear guidance in the complex field of door security.
SolidSense – maximum safety in accordance with EN 16005
The SolidSense takes the protection of Swing doors in accordance with EN 16005 to a new level. The sensor uses Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology to precisely detect objects in the door area. This means that danger points – even at the secondary closing edge – are reliably detected.
The advantages include:
- Maximum safety and complete protection against impact, crushing and shearing points
- Very high level of safety even at the secondary closing edge thanks to the “curved” beam path around the danger zone
- Independent of ambient conditions such as lighting conditions or floor coverings
- Dynamic adaptation to environmental changes for reliable and trouble-free door operation
The sensors are compact, robust and can be harmoniously integrated into the door design. For planners and manufacturers, this means less effort when implementing standards and at the same time maximum safety for the end user.
FutureSense – intelligent radar sensor optimizes automatic opening
The FutureSense works with 60 GHz FMCW technology (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) and detects movements, directions and speeds with high precision. The door only opens when it needs to – cross-traffic and false activations are avoided. This lowers energy consumption and reduces wear and tear on mechanical components.
The FutureSense app allows for intuitive setup and customization of the activation zones. Installers benefit from clear feedback and visualization, which simplifies commissioning and reduces sources of error. As a result, BBC Bircher Smart Access offers not just a product, but a practical solution that’s easy to use.
CleanSwitch: convenient and hygienic opening by gesture
The CleanSwitch enables the hygienic, contactless activation of automatic doors. A simple hand movement is all it takes to trigger the opening command. The system is ideal for hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, laboratories and restaurants.
The switch is compatible with common switch ranges such as System 55, offers visual feedback and a wide range of design options. In the CleanSwitch Lock variant, doors can even be locked without contact. CleanSwitch thus complements the security system in a functional and hygienic way.
The complete package for modern Swing doors
With FutureSense, SolidSense, and CleanSwitch, BBC Bircher Smart Access offers a comprehensive system designed to comply with EN 16005. The company sees itself not only as a manufacturer but also as a solution-oriented partner that provides technical expertise to support compliance with standards: Through practical consulting, application-oriented documentation, and continuous product development, BBC Bircher Smart Access provides expertise that specialized contractors and planners can apply directly in the field. The goal is safe, energy-efficient, and future-proof door technology—implemented in compliance with standards and operated cost-effectively.
News 
